Sticking needles in your body may not appeal to everyone. But acupuncture is growing in popularity as health reporter Julie Cush finds out.

Without any warning, Heather Stiles would find herself rooted to the spot in a cold sweat.

Thankfully though, there were rarely witnesses to her panic attacks - they usually happened at home while alone.

The 57-year-old from Sunderland had found over the last six years she was becoming less and less able to cope with the trials and tribulations of life.

She would have extreme reactions and become down about things other people coped with, such as her mother suffering health problems.

Although confident and independent, Heather found the panic attacks unsettling, even though they would only last a few minutes, and went to her doctor for help.

She was prescribed tablets but wasn't happy about taking them because they made her feel like a zombie.

Then, quite by chance, a friend recommended acupuncture, a natural needle-based treatment which tackles a whole host of problems.

Her pal recommended Steve May, of The Oaks in Christchurch, Sunderland, who has been practising for four years. "I was still very apprehensive and was worried I might have to take my clothes off," said Heather.

"But I needn't have worried and it didn't even hurt. I had needles inserted into my ankles, knees, big toes and my neck area, about nine in all.

"Steve made me feel at ease and although he asked me questions about my health, he was never intrusive.

"After the first session I felt light-headed and by the third I felt like a new person, as if a load had been lifted.

"It was incredible. I felt as if all this latent energy had been released and I had found an inner peace.

"I haven't had a panic attack for months and everything has just fallen into place. I am eating a lot better and I no longer toss and turn at night. I sleep more deeply and feel refreshed.

"Acupuncture doesn't work for everyone, about one in 20 people, so if nothing happens by the third session it is unlikely to work at all. Thankfully for me, that is all it took although if the symptoms come back I will go to Steve again."

Having needles stuck into your body may not appeal to everyone but the ancient Chinese practice of acupuncture is fast growing in popularity with the rich and famous.

Stars such as Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow are firm devotees of the therapy practised in the Orient for more than 4,000 years.

Even the Queen's new doctor Timothy Evans offers acupuncture as a treatment.

Classic acupuncture is based on the belief that we all have a vibrant life energy, known as Qi, which flows through our body along 12 channels known as meridians. Qi is made up of two opposing forces, Yin and Yang, which can become unbalanced, triggering illness.

By tapping into the channels through areas known as acupoints, the body's wellbeing can be restored.

There are currently 7,500 practitioners registered in Britain, treating everything from muscular pain to eczema, although it is commonly used for pain relief, and emotional problems such as stress and anxiety.

Acupuncture has also been used successfully used as an anaesthetic during operations and childbirth. Research suggests it works by triggering the release of adrenaline to act as a natural painkiller.

In the last 10 years the number treated in the UK has risen sevenfold from 70,000 in 1993 to around 500,000 today. Although not generally available on the NHS, your GP may be able to refer you to a local NHS pain clinic that offers acupuncture.

Each session lasts an hour so there is a genuine relationship between practitioner and patient which can enable the acupuncturist to get to the root of the problem.

All British Acupun-cture Council (BAcC) members have completed a minimum of three years' full time study and are subject to very strict codes of practice and ethics.

Many work from a traditional Chinese medicine perspective which has a different explanation for the cause of an illness.

A blood deficiency in western terms would be something such as anaemia but in Chinese medicine the blood is for nourishing and lubricating the structures of the body and is the foundation for bone and organ creation.

Blood also has a part to play in housing the "shen" (spirit) which balances the psyche and the emotions. Blood deficiency therefore does not necessarily refer to a lesser quantity of blood, although it can mean that too.

More commonly it refers to the quality of the blood. If it's congested or depleted, symptoms as varied as tiredness, depression, lethargy and headaches may occur.

Mr May said: "By inserting fine needles into the channels of Qi energy an acupuncturist can stimulate the body's own healing response and help restore its natural equilibrium.

"To assess how the energies are flowing in an individual's body an acupuncturist will feel the pulses on both wrists, noting their quality, rhythm and strength.

"The structure, colour and coating of the tongue also give a good guide to a person's health. Traditional acup-uncture takes a holistic approach, treating the whole person to regain the balance bet-ween the physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of individuals."

An initial consultation with Steve May costs #35, for more information call 0191 5678003.

To find a registered acupuncturist in your area the British Acupuncture Council on 0208 735 0400 or visit the website www.acupuncture.org.uk

Page 2: Help for a range of conditions

Help for a range of conditions

Who can acupuncture help?

Some people want help with specific symptoms or conditions. Others choose to have treatment to help maintain health or strengthen the constitution.

Acupuncture can also be used alongside conventional medicine in the treatment of both acute and chronic disease.

Acupuncture is a safe treatment for all, although for babies and young children pressure rather than needles may be used.

British Acupuncture Council practitioners use disposable single use acupuncture needles. These are pre-sterilised, are in sealed packs and are disposed of after each treatment.

Acupuncture has proved to be effective in a wide range of conditions. These include:

* Pregnancy management and for the relief of pain in childbirth

* Infertility, menstrual problems and the menopause

* Overcoming addictions, such as smoking, alcohol, food, drugs

* Depression, anxiety and mental health

* Arthritis and rheumatism

* Sciatica, back pain and indeterminate aches and pains

* Circulatory problems

* High blood pressure

* Skin conditions and ulcers

* General feelings of ill health, e.g. lethargy, nausea, dizziness

Check for qualification

It is essential for patients to choose an acupuncturist who is registered with a professional body.

British Acupuncture Council members have an extensive training in acupuncture and bio medical sciences appropriate to the practice of acupuncture in the UK.

They are covered by full medical malpractice and public liability insurance and are bound by codes of ethics and safe practice.

A patient's personal relationship and rapport with their practitioner is important. Patients need to find a practitioner they feel comfortable with, who understands what they want from treatment and who can explain clearly the benefits acupuncture can offer.